Pergamon [antikvár]

Its EstablishmentPergamon was established on and in the vicinity of the Acropolis hill against which the district of Bergama rests today. The city is bounded by the Cetius river in the east and by the Selinus river in the west. Both rivers join each other to the south of the modern city and drain into the Kaikos (Bakirgay) river. Degirmendere, situated in the Kaikos valley, is the oldest settlement in the region of Pergamon. Excavations at the acropolis itself, revealed prehistoric treasures contemporary with the finds excavated in Degirmendere. Since these were very few in number, many scientists believe that there were no prehistoric settlements on the acropolis.In Pergamon, nothing belonging either to the period of colonization which had started in the 12th century B.C. and lasted until the 10th century B.C., or to the subsequent period of migrations, was discovered during excavations. Those who came during the period of migrations preferred to settle either on the offshore islands, or on peninsulas that could be defended easily. Since Pergamon was approximately 25 km. inland, it was not a favourable site for settlement. The exact date of its establishment is not knwn. According to mythology, the name Pergamon goes back to the Trojan wars. Following the burning and destruction of Troy, Andromache, the wife of Hector, was enslaved by the Achaeans and married to the son of Achilles, Neptolemus, from whom she had three children. Of these, the one named Pergamos is known as the founder of the city of Pergamon. The name of the city comes from the word "Pergamons". It was modified and changed into Pergamon in the Early Ages and later became today's Bergama. It means a high place, a castle. Perg, berg and amo, are roots that are often encountered in Anatolian languages and they are found in the word Pergamon also.Acropolis, general view.